Originally posted by jwal
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Also keep in mind that even if the weight of the block is similar - the N5x blocks are simply much, much stronger due to the bedplate design. The *stock* redline on the N52 is higher than you should ever rev an M54 if you don't want to throw a rod.
The M54 block is basically an M50 block cast in aluminum, while the N5x blocks were designed from scratch to be made from lighter materials (which also includes the S55).
In any case, the block all by itself is 36lbs lighter than the iron M5x, without accounting for the other further weight optimizations. It's just an interesting data point. I figure a complete N52 is nearly 150lbs lighter than the S54.
And the highest output stock N52 makes 40bhp more than the maxed out M54B30 ZHP, while also being more efficient. It's just too bad BMW was forced to stop further N/A engine development, an N/A M version would have been awesome.
They built engines based on this design for over a decade, and the B58 is descendent - I hardly think BMW didn't think it was a worth the trouble.
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